Free will is the ability to decide and act free from any influence of past events or environment. It implies complete freedom to make any choice absolutely. We clearly don't have free will. Our decisions and actions are never divorced from our past.
We have a conditioned mind. Our memories, past impressions and experiences bias and shape our thoughts and actions in the present. It is our karmic imprint. Not just what we are born with, but also what we accumulate while living. We can consider it as the result of our genetic code, upbringing and environment. It's our backstory.
The only way to experience free will is to get rid of all such conditioning; to neutralise our karmic imprint; to be independent of our psychological coding. That’s possible only if we can purify our mind by letting go of all our ego, attachments and fixed beliefs. Then we can reside in the truth of our being.
The above is an exacting definition of free will. What we commonly mean by free will is that we have a choice in most situations like, who you choose to marry, what profession you pursue or how you react to someone’s aggression. Sounds reasonable. But here’s the catch. Our ability to make that choice too is significantly restricted, dictated by our predispositions.
This applies even to our ability to bring about change within ourselves. Despite a strong resolve to be calmer, kinder or less anxious, our ability to manifest that change depends, partly on our emotional and mental wiring. That’s why some people succeed in such efforts more than the others.
If you wish to expand the scope of your agency, explore ways to engage in sustained inner work, deepen your self-awareness, examine and reform your conditioned beliefs. But then, I wonder if your inclination to embark on that journey too depends on your current karmic coding.
The author argues that humans don’t have "free will" because_______.
- our decisions are shaped by past events and environmental influences
- we are born with pre-determined choices that we are forced to make
- we are always dictated by our mind to make irrational choices
- human beings are born slaves of social constructs and expectations
The Correct Option is A
Approach Solution - 1
Approach Solution -2
The argument is that past events and influences shape our decisions.
Context: The argument suggests that our present decisions are heavily influenced by past experiences, events, and external factors. Our choices are often a reflection of the lessons learned, experiences lived, and influences encountered throughout our lives.
Influence of Past Events: Past events, whether they are personal experiences, cultural influences, or historical contexts, play a crucial role in shaping how we think, feel, and act. These experiences can shape our values, beliefs, and overall perspective, which, in turn, affect our decision-making process.
Impact of External Influences: In addition to personal experiences, external influences—such as family, society, education, and media—also contribute to shaping our decisions. These influences can reinforce certain patterns of behavior or introduce new perspectives that guide our choices in various situations.
Final Thought: The idea that past events and influences shape our decisions highlights the importance of understanding our history and environment. By recognizing the impact of past experiences, we can gain insight into the motivations behind our choices and actions.
"Karmic imprint" referred to in the passage implies________.
- the ability to bring about change in oneself
- our genetic code, upbringing and environment
- the truth of our being, our individuality
- the wrongdoings and vices of our past lives
The Correct Option is B
Approach Solution - 1
Approach Solution -2
"Karmic imprint" refers to our genetic code, upbringing, and environment.
Context: The term "karmic imprint" is often used in spiritual or philosophical contexts to describe the lasting effects of our experiences, decisions, and influences. It is a metaphorical concept that links our life’s journey to three key factors: our genetic makeup, our upbringing, and our environment.
Genetic Code: The "karmic imprint" begins with our genetic code, which forms the biological foundation for our physical characteristics, tendencies, and predispositions. Our genes influence our potential for certain behaviors or health outcomes, providing an initial framework for who we are.
Upbringing: Our upbringing, including the values, norms, and behaviors instilled in us by our family and caregivers, further shapes our karmic imprint. The way we are raised can significantly influence our beliefs, emotional responses, and coping mechanisms.
Environment: Lastly, our environment—such as the culture we live in, the social and economic conditions, and the experiences we encounter—also leaves an imprint on us. Our interactions with the world around us help to refine our perceptions and choices, further defining our karmic path.
Final Thought: The "karmic imprint" reflects the interplay between our biology, upbringing, and environment, emphasizing how these factors combine to shape our character, actions, and future decisions.
"Free will" can be experienced if________.
- we embrace our past experiences and conditioning
- we make choices without considering the consequences
- we let go of our ego, attachments, and fixed beliefs
- we accumulate more and more karmic imprints
The Correct Option is C
Approach Solution - 1
Approach Solution -2
"Free will" can be experienced by letting go of ego and attachments.
Context: The concept of "free will" refers to the ability to make choices that are not determined by external forces or internal constraints. One way to experience true free will is by letting go of the ego and attachments, which often limit our ability to act freely and authentically.
Ego and Its Influence: The ego often creates a sense of separateness, making us act out of self-interest or fear. When we are dominated by the ego, our choices may be influenced by pride, insecurity, or desire for validation, limiting our true freedom. Letting go of the ego allows us to make choices that are aligned with our higher self or authentic desires.
Attachments and Freedom: Attachments, whether to people, possessions, or outcomes, can also restrict our freedom. We often make decisions based on fear of losing what we are attached to, rather than what truly serves our well-being. Releasing attachments allows us to act from a place of inner peace and clarity, giving us the freedom to make choices without being driven by external circumstances.
Final Thought: True "free will" can be experienced when we let go of the ego and attachments, allowing us to make choices that are not confined by the past, fear, or selfish desires. This freedom allows for a more authentic and fulfilling life.
The author proves that the idea of "free will" is a myth by suggesting that_________.
- our ability to make a choice is restricted by our predispositions
- we are unable to bring a change in ourselves
- our choices are solely guided by the current environment
- our choices are completely independent of past events and our genetic code
The Correct Option is A
Approach Solution - 1
Approach Solution -2
The argument is that predispositions restrict our ability to make choices.
Context: The argument suggests that our inherent predispositions, whether they be biological, psychological, or social, can limit our capacity to make truly free choices. These predispositions are deeply ingrained patterns or tendencies that influence our behavior and decision-making process.
Impact of Predispositions: Predispositions, such as genetic traits, learned behaviors, or societal conditioning, often shape our reactions and decisions without us consciously realizing it. These factors can create biases, fears, or limitations that prevent us from making choices based purely on free will or rational thought.
Restriction of Freedom of Choice: The more we are influenced by our predispositions, the less control we have over our choices. These internal and external forces may push us toward certain decisions or limit the options we perceive, reducing our ability to act freely and authentically.
Final Thought: The argument emphasizes that by recognizing and understanding our predispositions, we can begin to break free from them, thereby increasing our ability to make more conscious and liberated choices.
What does the author propose as a means to expand the scope of one’s agency?
- Making choices frequently and impulsively
- Engaging in sustained inner work and self-awareness
- Holding on to fixed beliefs and stringent mindsets
- Ignoring one’s past experiences and dispositions
The Correct Option is B
Approach Solution - 1
Approach Solution -2
Self-awareness and inner work help expand one’s agency.
Context: The idea that self-awareness and inner work contribute to expanding one’s agency suggests that the more we understand ourselves, the more control we can have over our decisions and actions. By engaging in introspection and personal growth, we enhance our ability to make conscious choices rather than being driven by automatic reactions or external influences.
Role of Self-Awareness: Self-awareness involves understanding one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This awareness allows individuals to recognize patterns, biases, and limitations that may be influencing their choices. With greater self-awareness, people can make more intentional and empowered decisions, increasing their sense of agency in their lives.
Importance of Inner Work: Inner work refers to practices such as meditation, reflection, and emotional healing that help individuals connect with their deeper selves. Through this process, individuals can uncover unconscious beliefs, fears, or desires that may be holding them back. By addressing these internal factors, they can expand their ability to act freely and intentionally.
Final Thought: Self-awareness and inner work are crucial for expanding one’s agency. By understanding oneself on a deeper level and addressing internal obstacles, individuals can gain greater control over their lives and make choices that align with their authentic desires and values.
What do you think could be a suitable title for this passage ?
- Definition of "Free Will"
- Our backstory – key to a successful life
- Do human beings really have "Free Will"?
- Making Choices – Every Man’s Prerogative!
The Correct Option is C
Approach Solution - 1
Approach Solution -2
"Do human beings really have Free Will?" best fits the content.
Context: The question "Do human beings really have Free Will?" challenges a fundamental concept in philosophy and psychology. It invites a deeper exploration of whether humans have the true ability to make independent choices or whether their decisions are influenced by external factors like biology, society, and personal history.
Free Will and its Implications: Free will is the idea that individuals have control over their actions and decisions, free from external constraints. However, this concept is often debated, with some arguing that our choices are determined by genetic predispositions, environmental influences, or unconscious biases.
External Influences on Free Will: Factors such as upbringing, social conditioning, and genetic tendencies may limit or shape the choices we believe are "free." This raises the question of whether true autonomy exists or if we are merely responding to the influences that shape us.
Final Thought: The question of free will is central to understanding human agency and decision-making. By examining how much control we truly have over our actions, we can better understand the complexity of human behavior and the nature of personal freedom.
Top Questions on Reading Comprehension
“Why do they pull down and do away with crooked streets, I wonder, which are my delight, and hurt no man living? Every day the wealthier nations are pulling down one or another in their capitals and their great towns: they do not know why they do it; neither do I. It ought to be enough, surely, to drive the great broad ways which commerce needs and which are the life-channels of a modern city, without destroying all history and all the humanity in between: the islands of the past.”
(From Hilaire Belloc’s “The Crooked Streets”)
Based only on the information provided in the above passage, which one of the following statements is true?- GATE PH - 2025
- General Aptitude
- Reading Comprehension
“Why do they pull down and do away with crooked streets, I wonder, which are my delight, and hurt no man living? Every day the wealthier nations are pulling down one or another in their capitals and their great towns: they do not know why they do it; neither do I. It ought to be enough, surely, to drive the great broad ways which commerce needs and which are the life-channels of a modern city, without destroying all history and all the humanity in between: the islands of the past.” (From Hilaire Belloc’s “The Crooked Streets”)
Based only on the information provided in the above passage, which one of the following statements is true?
- GATE CE - 2025
- General Aptitude
- Reading Comprehension
- “His life was divided between the books, his friends, and long walks. A solitary man, he worked at all hours without much method, and probably courted his fatal illness in this way. To his own name there is not much to show; but such was his liberality that he was continually helping others, and fruits of his erudition are widely scattered, and have gone to increase many a comparative stranger’s reputation.”
(From E.V. Lucas’s “A Funeral”)
Based only on the information provided in the above passage, which one of the following statements is true?- GATE CE - 2025
- General Aptitude
- Reading Comprehension
- Read the excerpt from a Handicrafts Manual: ‘Advanced Knitting Techniques’ and answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate answer.
THE FAIR ISLE METHOD: Fair Isle knitting is a traditional technique that involves using two or more colours of yarn in a single row to create intricate patterns and designs. This method requires careful tension management to ensure even stitches and prevent puckering. To begin, select your colours and cast on the desired number of stitches. As you knit, alternate between colours every few stitches, carrying the unused yarn along the back of the work. Mastering the Fair Isle technique allows you to create stunning visual effects in garments, accessories, and home textiles.
THE CONTINENTAL STYLE: The Continental knitting style, often referred to as “picking,” involves holding the yarn in the left hand while the right hand manipulates the needles. This method allows for greater speed and efficiency, particularly when working with complex patterns or multiple colours. To practice this style, start by casting on your stitches and using your left hand to tension the yarn. With each stitch, simply “pick” the yarn with your right needle, forming a quick and fluid motion. As you become comfortable with this technique, you may find that your overall knitting speed and comfort improve significantly.
THE SHORT-ROW TECHNIQUE: Short-row knitting is an advanced technique that allows for the creation of shaped garments, such as sleeves and shoulders, without the need for complex shaping. To make a sleeve using this technique, begin by casting on the required number of stitches. Work a portion of the row, then turn your work and return without completing the full row to create the “short rows” that shape the curves of the sleeve. To prevent holes at the turn, wrap the stitch before you turn your work. Repeat this process as needed to achieve the desired shaping and dimension of the sleeve. Once you have shaped the sleeve, you can then sew the side seams to connect the pieces of your garment and finally, complete the edges to ensure a clean finish. This method not only helps shape curves but also adds dimension to your piece, allowing you to enhance fit and style.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2025
- English
- Reading Comprehension
- Read the following passage and answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate answer.
The Story of Coffee
Coffee, a beloved beverage enjoyed by millions around the globe, has a rich and captivating history that spans centuries. The story of coffee begins in the ancient highlands of Ethiopia, where, according to legend, a goat herder named Kaldi discovered the stimulating effects of coffee beans. One day, Kaldi noticed his goats frolicking with unusual energy after eating red berries from a certain tree. Curious, he tried the berries himself and experienced a newfound alertness. This discovery soon spread to monasteries, where monks used it to stay awake during long hours of prayer. From Ethiopia, coffee cultivation and consumption spread to the Arabian Peninsula, particularly in Yemen, where the practice of roasting coffee beans and brewing the drink began to take shape. By the 15th century, coffee had become a popular beverage in the Islamic world, with coffee houses known as ‘qahveh khaneh’ emerging as social hubs for conversation, music, and intellectual exchange. These coffee houses became centers of culture and commerce, influencing the spread of coffee to Turkey and beyond, eventually reaching Europe. In Europe, coffee initially faced resistance from religious authorities who considered it a ‘Muslim drink’ and tried to ban it. However, its popularity persisted, and by the 17th century, coffee houses had sprung up in major European cities, becoming important gathering places for artists, writers, and thinkers. The stimulating effects of coffee were embraced during the Age of Enlightenment, where it was seen as a catalyst for intellectual discussion and innovation. The journey of coffee continued with the establishment of colonial plantations in tropical regions such as the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Southeast Asia. These plantations fuelled the global demand for coffee, transforming it from a regional specialty to a major commodity. The industrial revolution further accelerated coffee production and consumption, leading to innovations in coffee brewing methods and the development of instant coffee. In the modern era, coffee has evolved into a deeply ingrained part of daily life for people worldwide. Its cultural significance spans from the bustling cafes of Paris to the quiet coffee farms of Colombia. Today, coffee remains not only a popular beverage but also a symbol of social interaction, productivity, and enjoyment. Whether sipped slowly over a conversation with friends or grabbed hastily on the way to work, the story of coffee continues to unfold, intertwining with the histories and cultures of countless societies across the globe.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2025
- English
- Reading Comprehension
Questions Asked in CUET exam
- Two resistances of 100 \(\Omega\) and 200 \(\Omega\) are connected in series across a 20 V battery as shown in the figure below. The reading in a 200 \(\Omega\) voltmeter connected across the 200 \(\Omega\) esistance is _______.
Fill in the blank with the correct answer from the options given below- CUET (UG) - 2024
- Current electricity
- A molecule X associates in a given solvent as per the following equation:
X ⇌ (X)n
For a given concentration of X, the van’t Hoff factor was found to be 0.80 and the
fraction of associated molecules was 0.3. The correct value of ‘n’ is:- CUET (UG) - 2024
- Solutions
- If $t = e^{2x}$ and $y = \ln(t^2)$, then $\frac{d^2 y}{dx^2}$ is:
- CUET (UG) - 2024
- Second Order Derivative
- The corner points of the feasible region determined by $x + y \leq 8$, $2x + y \geq 8$, $x \geq 0$, $y \geq 0$ are $A(0, 8)$, $B(4, 0)$, and $C(8, 0)$. If the objective function $Z = ax + by$ has its maximum value on the line segment $AB$, then the relation between $a$ and $b$ is:
- CUET (UG) - 2024
- Linear Programmig Problem
- If 75$\%$ of a first-order reaction gets completed in 32 minutes, the time taken for 50$\%$ completion of this reaction is:
- CUET (UG) - 2024
- Order of reaction